Ange Postecoglou is demanding a huge performance from his players on Sunday when Tottenham host Chelsea in the Premier League.
The Australian had a lively exchange with the traveling Tottenham fans on Thursday afternoon following a 1-0 defeat by Bournemouth, with pressure mounting on the Spurs boss after another string of disappointing performances and results. Playing with pride and getting a positive result on Sunday is paramount.
Defensive injuries are weakening Postecoglou’s hand at the moment and Ben Davies is the latest casualty at the back for Tottenham. Mickey van de Ven and Guglielmo Vicario are also absent from the backline for this weekend’s London derby, worrying news when they welcome one of the Premier League’s most prolific outfits.
Here’s how Tottenham he could line up on Sunday.
GK: Fraser Forster – Vicario’s absence remains a disappointment for Spurs, but the experienced Forster has done an admirable job since joining the club. He made some impressive saves in the defeat at the Vitality Stadium.
RB: Pedro Porro – Poro was only used from the bench against Bournemouth but will return to the starting line-up on Sunday. He should be activated against the likes of Pedro Neto and Joao Felix.
CB: Cristian Romero – With Davis now injured, the Spurs could use Romero. The World Cup winner has returned to team training and could feature at the weekend, with Archie Gray on hand as an emergency option.
CB: Radu Dragusin – After another terrible outing for Dragusin in midweek, the Romanian will keep his place in the starting line-up if only out of necessity. He was unconvincing in Van de Ven’s absence.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Noni Madueke is in impressive form Chelsea and it will be Udogie’s duty to keep the energetic Englishman quiet. Madueke scored and assisted against Southampton in midweek and is one to watch this weekend. In particular, Udogie was sent off in this game last term.
CM: Dejan Kulusevski – Even the in-form Kulusevski couldn’t unlock his usually high standards on the south coast. He could return to attacking midfield against Chelsea having started on the right-hand side on Thursday.
CM: Yves Bissouma – With Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out, Bissouma was the man to anchor Spurs’ midfield in Premier League recently. He will have his hands full trying to stifle the brilliant Cole Palmer.
CM: Pope Matar Sarr – The midfielder has played a lot of football in recent weeks and could be rested against Chelsea, even if impressive alternatives are lacking. If he starts, he should be more influential than he was against the Cherries.
RW: Brennan Johnson – The Welshman’s four-game scoring streak ended on Thursday in an uncharacteristic performance. Marc Cucurella will have to keep an eye on Johnson’s diabolical back-post routes.
ST: Dominic Solanke – It’s easy to forget that Solanke was once a Chelsea player, even if he only made one appearance for the club. He will be keen to topple his old side on Sunday after going Spurs’ last four games without a goal.
LW: Son Heung-min – Sean unexpectedly rested on the south coast, entering the fray just before the hour. The South Korean’s record against Chelsea is surprisingly poor, with just two goals in 19 meetings. He hasn’t scored in this game since 2018.
